Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins

University Park, PA — Fort Collins, CO

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Location University Park, PA Fort Collins, CO
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 25,538
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 88.5%
SAT Average 1,337
In-State Tuition $20,644 $13,373
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $34,783
Avg Net Price $32,875 $21,279
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $20,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 66.7%
Retention Rate 92.6% 85.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $49,748
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $60,543
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 769900.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Colorado State University-Fort Collins compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Fort Collins, CO) has an acceptance rate of 88.5%, in-state tuition of $13,373, and median 10-year earnings of $60,543.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $60,543. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the more affordable option at $21,279 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 66.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025